Doom comps are all the rage these days! Georgia label Black Doomba Records is releasing Doombanomicon, a collection of thirteen doom songs from every subgenre niche; it’s currently available digitally through bandcamp and out on vinyl this May. “This is not a compilation,” says Black Doomba owner Tommy Stewart. According to the press release, “It… Continue reading Someone Else’s Comp, Part II: Doombanomicon
Tag: music review
Better Over Time: A Review of Dream Theater’s Distance Over Time
I remember that night back in 1994 clearly. “Take The Time” was playing on my father’s stereo at home. It was during the song’s lengthy instrumental workout that I made this innocent observation: “Boy, these guys write long songs.” My father’s response? “Well, they love to play.” It was an endearing thing to hear as… Continue reading Better Over Time: A Review of Dream Theater’s Distance Over Time
Journal of Sorrows: A Review of Saor’s Forgotten Paths
Saor is the folk/black metal one-man band of Scottish musician Andy Marshall. It seems to be quite the labor of love considering the quantity and quality of his work since 2013. Forgotten Paths is the fourth full-length documentation of his Scottish heritage, featuring long suites of poetry and extremity with an emphasis on nature and… Continue reading Journal of Sorrows: A Review of Saor’s Forgotten Paths
Proof of Ownership – A Review of Gramma Vedetta’s Proof of Concept
Engaging and successful music comes in two forms for me. A few artists have the drive to try new things and experiment with new sounds. The new Xiu Xiu album I just reviewed is something I’ve never heard before. It was delightful to listen to because it was a surprising and unconventional adventure. Then there’s… Continue reading Proof of Ownership – A Review of Gramma Vedetta’s Proof of Concept
Explicit Content: A Review of Xiu Xiu’s Girl with Basket of Fruit
It’s a rare thing to come across something completely unfamiliar in modern music. Some would claim that the golden age of musical exploration is behind us — the 60s through the 90s. Every kind of music possible has already been found and done, and now groups are doomed to constantly recycle old styles. Some critics… Continue reading Explicit Content: A Review of Xiu Xiu’s Girl with Basket of Fruit
Not Of This Earth: A Review of Altarage’s The Approaching Roar
I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed a band based out of Spain. I always enjoy covering music from a part of the world that I’m not familiar with. I have preconceived notions of what a Swedish metal album will sound like, or an Icelandic electronic album, or Japanese noise rock. All I knew going into… Continue reading Not Of This Earth: A Review of Altarage’s The Approaching Roar
Album Review: Brave’s the calm | the storm
Washington DC prog rockers Brave released their sophomore album the calm | the storm on January 8th to positive reviews from AlternativeNation.net, Dead Rhetoric, and now this very blog. The layered compositions feature active bass, interactive string and keyboard lines, and rich vocals. Singer and co-founder Michelle Schrotz says of the album, “These songs represent ‘life stories’ and lyrically… Continue reading Album Review: Brave’s the calm | the storm